Left foot has no movement and his right is a fake. Left side of the bar has nothing, right has front brake. Right peg side has rear brake, left peg has nothing with automatic transmission. Thats why i wa wondering about a hand actuated rear brake like stunters use.

Sooter is something I will recommend. I know he wants a bike as his disability has never stopped him before.

Can you describe what type of riding he wants to do? I know a lot of people knock scooters, but (having just ridden one for the past year) I love them. If he just wants to learn about the sport, no matter what capabilities one has (physical disability to Olympic athletes) I'd always recommend starting smaller & cheaper then working your way up. Good thing about smaller bikes is that they are more forgiving to beginner mistakes, and with them being cheaper, you can usually get close to your money back for them when you want to/are ready to move up to a larger, more powerful bike.

We all want to bypass crawling and go straight to walking/running, but dropping a $2k scooter on it's side is a lot easier to stomach vs a $7-8k new bike. Just my $.02. I do applaud him for not letting his disability limit him!

Meant to include in my post that my scooter was the SYM HD200. Unless he is planning on doing a ton of hwy riding, this scooter took my 6'1" 250lb body up to about 70mph with no problem. I bought a "new" 2008 model for $2500 and sold it a year later for $2200. Only reason I traded in for a bigger bike is that my new job has me going on interstate for about 60 miles, each way, a couple times a month and I didn't want to run WOT that much.

Need to understand that maxi-scooters are not what most people think of with the term scooter. Engine sizes up to 800cc and speeds well over 100mph and come with comfort for all day riding. They are suitable for freeways or mountain twisties. BMW just came out with a couple great ones. Yamaha T-Max, Honda Silver Wing and Suzuki Bergman are all serious rides. Most modern scooters are automatic with rear brake by left hand. They will run with the big bikes most anywhere.

I have ridden 85,000 miles on a couple of MP3s. Few 2 wheel bikes can keep up with my 400 cc on twisty roads. It is a great ride but don't let the 2 front wheels lead one to think they won't fall over. They lean like any bike, are heavy. The front suspension can be locked only when stopped so no kick stand is needed.

I've really enjoyed this monstrous thread, I gotta say. Especially all the modding and add-ons of Beemerphile. Really looking at this bike hard lately with a couple reservations: My current bike, a CB600 which I have loved and modified in minor ways over the last four years, has been turned into a little not-so-naked mini tourer. Other than being a bit beat up on the open slab due to basically no protection (except for an aftermarket Givi screen), I've been happy with it.

Then I realized I was lusting for something with a bit more range, maybe a little more power or protection, but at bargain basement, since I've only ever bought the three bikes owned used (Reflex, Buell Blast and the CB600). Toyed with the idea of getting a two cylinder Beemer 650 gs, but they seem dear and hard to find (and potentially a mechanical nightmare) and not meant to be a touring rig really even with a lot of modding, which I would do. There's a very good Honda shop up the road for when I need any heavy duty work (or I blow it). The only real competition for me at the moment is the Wee. But totally different machine (my indecision). But lots out there used for the patient, which I could be.

My only worry with the NC, is that I'll miss the HP on the SoCal freeway in and outa town, which, though I'm unmercifully buffeted on my hornet, has the oompah to get on past the crazies. But sorta unpleasant as it gets over about 70mph for any duration. Only considering the X, btw. I'm looking to retain the fun of the hornet in the twisties and sweepers, but have more comfort on the open road for some weekend/light touring. Looking to see if more touring is for me with more of a bike meant for it. And, a smaller bike appeals, as I'm a smaller person (hornet is just right, size wise). 5'5", 140lb, 32" inseam. I like to not be on my toes.

I have not had a chance to try either the DL or the NC, yet. Tried the Versys this summer and was disappointed at the engine feel. Way too shakey/vibratey, though it seemed to ride the rail on turns. Also tried the FZ6, which I sorta liked, but didn't improve range and wasn't quite upright enough for my ergos, though I did enjoy the engine by comparison.

Rowdymoose! You are exactly the person to give me your additional thoughts, as I see you have owned a Wee and live in SoCal. Any allaying of my HP fears as far as real world performance? I just like the "idea" and look of the adventure rigs (thus the Wee), but don't seriously think there's any more than a fire road or two in my future. The HP on my hornet is far higher and I worry a bit about being able to get around the wackos on the fwy.

Thanks for your perspective.

Blah, blah, blah, Tapatalk.

As a V-strom owner of both the 1000 and 650, it was time to move on after 10 years of Strom ownership. In my 60's and with only a couple of decades of riding left......, I want to experience something new upon opening the garage door and what I throw a leg over. I lived/camped on a Vstrom for a month riding in Canada and Alaska several years ago, and had no complaints with comfort and ridability.
V-stroms are not that good of a fire-road bike with stock suspension,....as even elevated 'water bars' in the road at a good clip seriously scrape the exhaust, or in my case the belly pan. I put a few more extras on my DR650, and will explore the Deserts of Az. as I start the 'Snowbird' exploring of retired life.

So, only 3 road bikes are tempting me at this time, A Harley XR1200X, a Triumph Scrambler, and go figure.....this new Honda NC700X. I am intruiged by the low and mid range torque, and heard rumors of the NC doing 60mph. at only 3,000 rpm. Is this true? I also am stroking the beard on how the NC mix of this torque and low center of gravity could be a handling smile maker.

...this new Honda NC700X. I am intruiged by the low and mid range torque, and heard rumors of the NC doing 60mph. at only 3,000 rpm. Is this true? I also am stroking the beard on how the NC mix of this torque and low center of gravity could be a handling smile maker.

As a V-strom owner of both the 1000 and 650, it was time to move on after 10 years of Strom ownership. In my 60's and with only a couple of decades of riding left......, I want to experience something new upon opening the garage door and what I throw a leg over. I lived/camped on a Vstrom for a month riding in Canada and Alaska several years ago, and had no complaints with comfort and ridability.
V-stroms are not that good of a fire-road bike with stock suspension,....as even elevated 'water bars' in the road at a good clip seriously scrape the exhaust, or in my case the belly pan. I put a few more extras on my DR650, and will explore the Deserts of Az. as I start the 'Snowbird' exploring of retired life.

So, only 3 road bikes are tempting me at this time, A Harley XR1200X, a Triumph Scrambler, and go figure.....this new Honda NC700X. I am intruiged by the low and mid range torque, and heard rumors of the NC doing 60mph. at only 3,000 rpm. Is this true? I also am stroking the beard on how the NC mix of this torque and low center of gravity could be a handling smile maker.

Yes sir. I'm right about there. Hell, you could cruise in 6th at 30 mph if you wanted.

Some people just can't be satisfied. I agree the suspension is more then acceptable. The only time I'm not satisfied with it is when I use the bike for something it's not intended for.

I agree that the suspension is acceptable, and the forks just seem to firm on bad roads. I have a bit over 1000 miles now and the forks seem to be wearing in. I will try some different weight fork oil with more miles, so the fix will probably be easily worked out.

Now lighten it up, give it good suspension and brakes, and I'm (maybe) in. Economy doesn't have to be cheap. They're almost there...

You don't bench press a motorcycle, you ride it. This Honda feels 75 pounds lighter than it is. It's never going to be a 350 lb dirt bike with minimal DOT lighting, it's a street bike you will be able to ride 100,000 miles with minimal drama.

Better brakes? The two piston front caliper model stops shorter than the Versys or the DL650 and that stopping distance places it in the middle of the current crop of 600cc sportbikes. What better brakes do you think it needs?

Out of the box the many press and video reviews out there generally praise the budget suspension as do many owners. If you need to upgrade it Ohlins and RaceTech only charge about $1200 for a new shock and fork make-over. Then you will have the suspension you need without making the rest of us pay for what we don't need.